Co-author Christopher Wilson says commerce between the U.S. and Mexico has reached a milestone, despite concerns that instability from warring drug cartels would hinder trade.

"It also leads one to ask what would Mexico’s economic growth and foreign investment look like in Mexico if there were not this security situation? And I think the answer is there would be more," Wilson said.

Wilson said trade between the U.S. and Mexico is growing faster than trade with any other large country, such as China. He credits the global recession, which made North America a more competitive place to do business.